It’s a good thing for former senior Ministers to keep thinking, going and contributing, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a comeback to government.
For the good of passengers, taxpayers and the railway, this pre-internet system needs a wholesale reset.
Chris Pincher, the new appointee, must stay in the post for the rest of this Parliament. It’s the only way that a strategy can be implemented properly.
We need a licensing system that sets minimum standards. Regulations must be up to date and even-handed.
It is incumbent on all of us to spend less time moaning, and more time putting out energy into where we can get the best return on our limited resources.
It’s time for honesty about the limitations of the current franchise model, and a full independent look at promoting enterprise, competition and innovation.
A key reason why the line was unprofitable is that Network Rail failed to deliver improved infrastructure – and it’s already in public hands.
The first article in a five-piece series by the author on how Britain must prepare for March 31 2019 – and has less than 600 days to get it right.
We may be rowing back to defend one promise. But another more fundamental promise to the future is actually at stake.
The focus on leaving the EU needs to be balanced by a powerful new Department for Growth, with a mandate to devolve power and drive up regional prosperity.
Reject the “British disease”. Welcome the era of the customer. Meet the financing and technology challenges. And finally: show ambition.
It would bring coherence and skill to project implementation and management – and there are plenty of others to be abolished or amalgamated.
If politicians are going to take voters with them, we need to be honest about the trade offs and develop policies to help those who stand to lose out.